second hand tank question

[technium]

Ive just purchased a 2nd hand tank which the owner used for marines and there is hard bits of coral?? and calcium all over it.

What is the best method for getting the glass clean again

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Tolak]

Vinegar usually works for calcium buildup. A little scraping with a razor blade may be needed. Only use the razor blade if the tank is glass, it will scratch acrylic.

If it is really horribly nasty, and you don't mind doing a reseal, toilet bowl cleaner with hydrochloric acid takes off just about anything. This includes skin, so wear gloves if you go this route. This is best done outdoors, where the fumes can dissipate, and you can rinse it for a while with a hose. About half the time you will need to reseal it, depending on how old & nasty it is.

Tolak

 

[tff]

CLR calcium lime rust remover from walmart will do...safe for coffee makers,probably a good gentle choice!

 

[technium]

thanks alot guys, will give it a try.

Wont try to resealing option as its 60" x !8" x 24" and dont want to risk something that size.

thanks again

T

 

[Mr Miagi]

The blade idea is fine, but if your nervous abo0ut using one or dont want to, an old bank card, student ID card wil do the job!

 

[technium]

ok tried the scraper idea and that took the top surface off so now its all flat but its got like a water mark all over it now.

Ive tried vinegar but that doesnt seem to have made any difference, are we talking about normal fish and chip vinegar (urghhmmmmm chips )or different vinegar like white vinegar???

any other suggestions please.

thanks in advance

T

 

[Tolak]

White vinegar is the stuff to use. Sometimes what is left of the lime will dissapear once you fill the tank up.

Resealing a larger tank is easier than a small one, more room to work inside the tank, plus the cost of a new tank needs to be taken into account. Like the futility of resealing a 10 gallon tank. For a few bucks more than the cost of the sealant, you can buy a new tank.

Tolak